Allison Paris founded Counteract USA in 2022 to help Gen Z believers stand firm against secular culture. The nonprofit operates small discipleship groups across twelve states to teach biblical literacy. Paris notes that many young Christians lack scriptural knowledge despite growing up in religious environments. The organization aims to prepare members for cultural engagement through structured study. This initiative complements other campus ministries by focusing on deep theological understanding before public activism. The group hosts an annual event in Rogers, Arkansas, to foster community and spiritual growth among young adults.
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Illustrative photo, not from the original report · Photo by Jack Gardner on UnsplashPersecuted church
St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church in Ocala, Florida, suffered racist vandalism shortly after an accidental electrical fire damaged the historic building. On Monday morning, members discovered offensive phrases and symbols, including devil horns, carved into the structure and displayed on the marquee. Senior Pastor Sha'Leda A. Mirra described the incident as a painful attack on the congregation during a time of vulnerability. Although the blaze was determined to be accidental, the hate crime has deeply affected the community. The church leadership stated they would remain steadfast in their faith despite the desecration of their sacred space.
Tensions in India’s Manipur state escalated after three church leaders and their driver were killed in an ambush. The attack triggered retaliatory abductions involving both tribal communities, leaving at least 20 people unaccounted for according to reports. Indian federal authorities have launched an investigation into the violence, which began when armed attackers ambushed religious figures returning from one area to another. Local groups accused rival factions of carrying out the assault, alleging links to other militant groups. While some captives were exchanged following army-facilitated negotiations, disputes over the numbers remain, and protests continue demanding the release of remaining hostages in the region, which has been unstable since ethnic clashes erupted in 2023.
World Relief, an evangelical humanitarian organization in the US, criticizes a new USCIS policy that could force lawful immigrants to leave the country to complete green card processes. The agency's memo, released Thursday, treats adjustment of status as discretionary relief rather than standard procedure. Myal Greene, the group's president, warns this change may devastate families by separating spouses and parents from children for months or years. The policy impacts those who entered legally and later became eligible for residency through family sponsorship. World Relief argues the rule should be reversed to prevent significant burdens on American families and indefinite separation for immigrants from countries where consular processing is halted.
The Church of Eleven22 in Jacksonville, Florida, baptized 2,552 people at a beach gathering. According to CBN News, more than 14,000 attendees watched the event at Hanna Park. Participants entered the Atlantic Ocean to publicly declare their faith in Jesus Christ. The church stated that baptism serves as an outward sign of spiritual renewal. This year’s turnout exceeded previous events, which saw nearly 2,000 baptisms last year and 1,600 in 2024. Leaders noted that even a shuttle bus driver was baptized during the celebration. The congregation highlighted the growing scale of these annual commitments to Christ.
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US Senators Jacky Rosen and James Lankford introduced the Jewish American Security Act to expand federal security funding for religious institutions. The bipartisan bill seeks $1 billion for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program to help churches and synagogues combat rising threats. According to the senators, the legislation addresses an epidemic of antisemitism and includes measures for campus safety and social media transparency. Data from the Family Research Council indicates a sharp rise in attacks against Christian churches since 2018. The proposal aims to increase grant caps and allow organizations to hire public safety officers directly, addressing demand that currently outpaces available resources.
Radiant Mobile, described as the first Christian wireless provider, launched on May 5 in the US. Operating on the T-Mobile network, the service costs $30 monthly and includes a network-level firewall to block pornography, racism, and self-harm content. Co-founder and COO Chris Klimis stated the initiative addresses digital dangers facing families and churches, citing high rates of online exposure among Gen Z. Founder Paul Fisher noted the idea stemmed from parental concerns about children encountering explicit material. The platform also offers Christian family entertainment and allows users to customize filters across over 120 categories. Interest has grown to thousands on the waiting list, with potential expansion into South Korea discussed.
A federal judge in the United States has issued a permanent injunction requiring the Oakland Unified School District to allow the Christian Good News Club to meet on campus. The ruling, announced Wednesday by Liberty Counsel, ends a legal dispute over alleged religious discrimination. Judge Haywood Gilliam stated the district must provide equal access to the Child Evangelism Fellowship NorCal chapter as it does to nonreligious groups. The decision concludes litigation that began in December 2024. The court also ordered the district to pay $120,000 in attorney fees to the plaintiffs. Liberty Counsel founder Mat Staver called the outcome a victory for equal rights.
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry signed two new laws to protect churches from service disruptions. House Bill 294 allows pastors and security personnel to order trespassers to leave and use reasonable force if they refuse. House Bill 68 expands the definition of disturbing the peace to include interference with religious services. These measures follow high-profile protests, such as the January incident at Cities Church in Minnesota, where activists interrupted a sermon. The Minnesota case led to criminal indictments and a civil lawsuit. Similar legislation is also being considered in Alabama to classify such disruptions as felonies.
Approximately 9,000 people attended the Open Doors Days event in a German city. The gathering featured firsthand accounts of faith under persecution from speakers representing Indonesia, Burkina Faso, North Korea, Mexico, and Central Asia. A North Korean pastor shared his escape from labor camps, while an Indonesian survivor described a church bombing. The Open Doors Germany Director announced a new support initiative for African Christians. The event included youth programs and prayer activities, highlighting the global reach of the nondenominational aid organization. Attendance matched previous years, demonstrating continued interest in these testimonies.
A decade after reforming its religious police, Saudi Arabia remains one of the world's most difficult places for Christians, ranking 13th in Open Doors' persecution index. While some affluent foreign workers can worship discreetly at consulates or homes, poorer migrants face police raids. Native-born Saudis face severe legal and social pressure, as conversion is officially punishable by death, though no executions have occurred. International Christian Concern reports that the reformed religious police now only observe and report rather than enforce morality directly. Nevertheless, Christians must keep their faith hidden to avoid persecution in the sharia kingdom.
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Evangelist Franklin Graham addressed crowds exceeding 30,000 people over two nights at the Chizhovka Arena in Minsk, Belarus. The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association reported that approximately 15,000 attendees gathered each evening for the Festival of Hope. Graham urged listeners to seek spiritual rebirth through Jesus Christ, emphasizing salvation and forgiveness. Organizers stated that nearly 700 evangelical churches collaborated for the event, which included a large choir and orchestra. Graham thanked Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko for permitting the large-scale gathering. The outreach is described as unprecedented in the country's history, with thousands more listening in overflow areas and outside the venue.
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Pro-life organizations in the United States have strongly criticized the Supreme Court's recent order allowing abortion pills to be mailed nationwide. The decision temporarily permits distribution while legal challenges, led by Louisiana, proceed through federal courts. Leaders from Live Action, the Family Research Council, and the National Right to Life Committee argue the ruling undermines state laws and endangers women. They urge the FDA to suspend the drug and halt mail deliveries. The order drew dissents from Justices Alito and Thomas, who opposed protecting providers from financial losses. Advocates warn of political consequences for Republicans if the policy remains unchanged. (Source: Kidok Ilbo)
Apologist Justin Peters announced he is the new pastor of Grace & Truth Community Church in Laurel, Montana. The congregation was established to provide doctrinally grounded preaching west of Billings. Peters stated the church began gathering on December 28, 2025, and currently meets in a local furniture store. The ministry emphasizes expository preaching and theological soundness. Peters holds degrees from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and leads Justin Peters Ministries. Notable conservative Christian leaders, including Phil Johnson and Jim Osman, serve as elder advisers to support the new church plant. The group says this structure aims to shepherd the local community through rigorous biblical teaching. This development marks a significant addition to the religious landscape in the region.
CyLife Church in Cypress, Texas, has started a $22 million expansion to address rapid growth. Executive Pastor Hugh Ansley stated the congregation grows 25 to 30 percent annually, necessitating more space. The project includes a new 2,000-seat sanctuary, soccer fields, and a community outreach center. Construction is expected to finish by fall 2027. The church, which became independent in 2019, funded the initial phase through member pledges and land sales. This development aims to support its mission as a disciple-making community while providing enhanced athletic and worship facilities for attendees.
Cornerstone Chapel Senior Pastor Gary Hamrick will speak at the Rededicate 250 event on the National Mall in Washington, US, on May 17. The gathering marks the nation’s 250th anniversary and is expected to be the largest religious assembly in over 50 years. Hamrick plans to address gender ideology and call for national repentance and a return to biblical values. He argues that the country has drifted from its founding principles regarding marriage and gender identity. The event features other speakers, including House Speaker Mike Johnson and several prominent pastors. Organizers describe it as a historic call for the nation to rededicate itself to God.
The Church of Scotland reported a significant increase in new Christian conversions in 2025, with 820 individuals affirming their faith, nearly double the 2021 figure. According to official data presented at the General Assembly in Edinburgh, 27% of congregations welcomed new members. Church leaders described this trend as encouraging, attributing it to renewed spiritual interest and the efforts of the Faith Action Leadership Team. However, total membership continues to decline, dropping 5% to approximately 229,000 due largely to deaths. The denomination, Scotland’s national Presbyterian church, noted growing engagement among young adults despite the overall numerical decrease.
The Southern Baptist Convention expects nearly 20,000 attendees for its annual meeting in Orlando, US, from June 7 to 10. Held at the Orange County Convention Center, the event draws church leaders and members nationwide. Convention Manager Lynn Richmond noted that hotel demand exceeded expectations early on. Dr. Richard Land attributes the high turnout to growing optimism regarding baptisms and recent leadership elections. Jonathan Howe stated this will be the largest gathering since 2021. The denomination uses this assembly to conduct business and elect leaders, with Josh Powell and Willy Rice expected to be nominated for president. This reflects the group's significant scale and ongoing organizational activities.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is investigating over two dozen public school districts to ensure compliance with Senate Bills 10 and 11. These laws require schools to display the Ten Commandments and hold votes on designated prayer times. Paxton stated he is defending students' religious freedom and moral foundations. The inquiry covers districts in major cities including Houston, Dallas, and Austin. Some districts, such as Conroe and Galveston, have faced legal disputes regarding these mandates. Officials are requesting records to verify if school boards have voted on prayer policies and if campuses are displaying the required religious materials. The investigation aims to enforce state regulations on religious expression in public education.
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